Below is the list of courses I have taught since I joined the Undergraduate Faculty of Fulbright University Vietnam in August 2020. Please click on the course title to expand for more information on the course description and videos of sample term-projects in the past semesters.
Course Description: We learn across the Fulbright Core how transformations have happened in human history – transformations in thought, in social structures, and in individual lives. We also see how transformations happen in nature and how human intervention transforms the natural world. But what about transformation that humans create through intentional design? This might be a new mask that filters air in a superior manner, a drone that can deliver medicines to remote parts of the country faster than any vehicle, or an app that allows you to create new music depending on your mood. In this course, we showcase how innovation is linked to rigorous scientific, mathematical, and engineering methods, with an emphasis on teamwork and hands-on experience. Students may take this as an entry point into the deeper study of design and engineering, or they may apply what they learn in this introductory course to their understanding of social and economic systems, to creative fabrication in the fine arts, or to the design and development of a start-up company in collaboration with Fulbright’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. This course embraces both the art and science of creation, instilling the confidence to experiment, sometimes to fail, but ultimately to prevail in designing and building a better future.
Designing and Systems Thinking (DST) course introduces the principles, processes, and tools of systems thinking and design thinking that are used to identify and generate solutions to frictions in our society. The building blocks to understand systems and to approach the designing process include: how ethnographic observation can be used to frame and observe real world challenges from the consumer’s perspective; an introduction to systems thinking to understand how challenges exist in a broader context; design thinking, enabling a structured approach to developing solutions and concepts; prototyping of physical products and designs; and key engineering concepts that enable concepts to become reality.
Hands-on experiences: This course employs project-based learning among teams of students to identify problems, specify client, consumer, or societal needs, and design a system answering those needs. This process includes defining the product’s features and specifications, decomposing it into components, integrating it into an environment, building it, and then validating and verifying its results. For example, teams may create elements of a smart home like automatic lighting and watering, or an Internet of Things (IoT) system for drought monitoring and early warning, or an automatic hand sanitizer. They will use modules, materials, tools, and facilities available in the market or in the Fulbright Maker Space to prototype these systems. In the process, they will develop a basic command of agile methods used in project management, learn basic modern fabrication skills, and practice critical thinking, including an understanding of constraints, negotiating between options, and examining social and environmental impact.
Maker Space training: Different from the previous semesters, since this semester, students are required to participate in training workshops organized by the Maker Space in consultation with the instructors. The training aims to provide students with skills and knowledge in engineering design and fabrication in this age of climate change mitigation, sustainable development, and constant innovation. There will be 4 workshops consisting of (1) MS Orientation and Safety Guideline, (2) Digital Design and 3D-Printing, (3) Electricity and Electronics Introduction, and (4) Digital and Manual Fabrication. These workshops will be hold in the Maker Space. There will be 05 sessions of each workshop in the designated week. The maximum number of students for each session will be 30 students. In the process of doing their term projects, student groups can get advice and help from the lecturer, the Maker Space staff, the DST teaching assistants (TAs) and Maker Space assistants.
Prerequisites: None.
Learning Outcomes: After completing the course, students will be able to
Understand and practice the tools and principles of systems thinking and design thinking.
Define the requirements of potential solutions and the quantitative and qualitative specifications of a system, with consideration for potentially related factors.
Decompose a system into deterministic components and functions, explain how they interact with each other and behave when integrated as a whole system, and explain how the system works within its environment.
Build a working prototype and verify whether this prototype meets defined requirements and specifications.
Improve communication skills through oral and written presentations, sharpen teamwork skills by working with other students on term projects, as well as critical thinking while giving comments to others.
Main references
Michael Lewrick, Patrick Link and Larry Leifer, The Design Thinking Toolbox: A guide to mastering the most popular and valuable innovation methods, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey, United States, 2020.
Donella H. Meadows, Thinking in Systems: A primer, Earthscan, London, United Kingdom, 2009.
Link to videos of sample term-projects in the past semesters:
Fall 2020 semester
Bookdrop box by Le Anh Vu, Nguyen Thi Thuy Dung, Truong Ngoc Long, Nguyen Dac Minh Phu and Ho Ngoc Quynh Nhi.
Eye-opening trash can by Bui Nguyen Thuy An, Vo Thi Quynh Huong, Nguyen Le Khoa, Vu Thi Hong Linh, and Nguyen Do Nguyen.
Noochine by Nguyen Hoang Nam Anh, Le Thuc Minh Chau, Tran Nhat Long, Nguyen Thien Phu and Le Thao Tuong Vy.
Adjus-table by Dao Minh Khue, Hoang Phan Xuan Ngan, Pham Nguyen Dan Tam, Tran Quynh Nhu, and Vu Nhat Huy.
Smart plant pot by Dao Hai Nhat Tan, Le Thi Ha Chi, Nguyen Thu Trang, Pham Minh Anh, and Vuong Kha Sieu.
Moti-chan: A Positivity Dispenser by Do Ha Khanh, Hoang Thanh Nga, Le Minh Viet Thu, Mai Thanh Duy and Nguyen Duc Phu
E-scooter by Bui Hoang Long, Do Thi Thu Hien, Le Quynh Nhu, Nguyen Duc Nhat and Phan Thi Kim Nuong.
Mr. Bin by Le Nu Dong Giang, Le Thi Ngoc Phung, Nguyen Phuc Nguyen, and Pham Minh Ngoc.
Spring 2021 semester
FulBrighTeeth (Automatic toothpaste dispencer): Tran Nguyen Viet Long, Dong Thi Hai Yen, Nguyen Tuan Minh, Nguyen Thi Thuong, Bui Tran Thuc Nhu.
Spring 2022 semester
Eyeglasses cleaner: Khuc Thi Huyen Trang, Phan Thuc Anh, Nguyen Ngoc Minh Chau, Nguyen Huy Hoang, Nguyen Phuc Thanh
Plenti corner: Hoang Mai, Hoang Thi Kim Chi, Nguyen Ha Phan, Nguyen Le Tuan Kiet, Tang Linh Trang, To Nu Quynh Nhu
Wakey Wakey smart lock: Le Thuy An, Nguyen Hang Nga, Nguyen Hoang An, Nguyen Vien Nhi, Tran Nguyen Bao Ngoc
Can you crush it: Dang Duc Xung, Le Thi Hong Ha, Nguyen Dao Thuy An, Nguyen Khanh Thuy Duong, Pham Gia Khang, Vo Linh Dan
FiveBright Quickey toothbrush: Ngo Phuong Nam, Nguyen Minh Thu, Nguyen Quang Tue, Pham Nguyen Phuong Khanh, Pham Thanh Chi
Flowemo: Do Minh Anh, Le Thi Quynh Trang, Nguyen Ngoc Nhat An, Nguyen Thu Tuong Vy, Tran Khiem
Automatic sterilizer: Ho Bao Tran, Hoang Anh Phuong, Nguyen Van Dung, Tran Phuoc Hai Quynh
Automatic cat-feeder: Do Nguyen Ha Vy, Ho Quang Vinh, Le Nam Dong, Mai Nguyen To Nhu, Nguyen Phuong Linh
PHUNT: Chu Hoang Bao Tram, Nguyen Phuong Uyen, Nguyen Quoc Hieu, Tran Quang Phuc, Vo Huynh Thao Nguyen
Smart battery bin: Bui Khanh Nguyen, Cao Nguyen Tuan Khoi, Hoang Xuan Ngan, Kieu Thi Ha Thanh, Nguyen Huu Yen Le
Bladeless table fan: Dang Uyen Phuong, Ho Anh Khue, Mai Minh Hieu, Nguyen Gia Minh, Pham Lan Phuong.
Summer 2022 semester
Make-up brush washing and drying machine: Bui Thi Ha Anh, Chau Tu Uyen, Vo Ngoc Thao, Duong Tri Dat and Nguyen Thi Lan Thanh
Anti-harassment device: Nguyen Khanh Minh Anh, Nguyen Ngoc Phuong Anh, Le Phuong Hoa, Pham Duc Minh and Ly Le Minh Trang
Mike Kondo - The amazing vacuum cleaner: Nguyen Phuong Anh, Nguyen Viet Duc, Le Thu Giang, Pham Gia Tuan and Nguyen Thi Ha Vy
Automatic food dispenser: Ho Ngoc Hieu Chau, Bui Quoc Khai, Nguyen Dieu Trang and Pham Ngoc Ha Vi
The table vacuum cleaner: Tran Thu Giang, Nguyen Dinh An Hanh, Nguyen Duy Hieu, Pham Nguyen Hoang Le and Bui Thi Mo
The FulHealth bottle: Nguyen Ngoc Linh, Bui Tran Van Anh, Bui Dinh Khoi, Nguyen Bao Han and Pham Quynh Huong
Lost and found box: Nguyen Nhat Lam, Tran Kim Ngan, Nguyen Thanh Phuong, Dang Nguyen Hoang Thuy and Tran Ung Thuy Trang
Gentleman Binz - Smart outdoor parcel delivery drop box: Nguyen Duc Manh, Trinh Kim Nguyen, Nguyen Diem Quynh, Nguyen Hieu Thuan and Dao Nguyen Tuong Van
Lamporghini - A portable lamp: Vu Ngoc Han, Dam Minh Ngoc, Do Lan Phuong, Nguyen Hoang Nhat Tan and Vu Thi Thanh Tam.
MedTime: Tran Anh Thu, Nguyen Thi Ai Phuong, Trinh Trung Kien, Nguyen Minh Phu and Duong Huynh Thien Kim
A motorized telescope mount: Van Khanh Quynh, Nguyen Thanh Long, Tran Nguyen Hoan Nhi, Tran Thanh Thuy and Duong Khanh Vi
Course description: Computer scientists, programmers and engineers use computing systems in many of their everyday tasks. In principle, understanding of what is going on beyond the statements in high-level programming languages such as Python, Java, and C/C++ will help computer scientists and programmers write more efficient codes. Similarly, such understanding helps engineers interact better with their computing systems at the device or pin level. Thus, this is designed as the first course in computing systems for students who are interested in computer sciences and/or engineering majors at Fulbright University Vietnam. Its objective is to provide a strong foundation on the underlying structure of computing systems that the students can build on in later majored courses with advanced topics such as computer architecture, operating systems, embedded systems, databases, networks, signal processing, algorithm design and so on.
Computing systems, such as mobile phones, laptops or personal computers, have been an important part of human beings’ everyday life. How are computing systems designed and implemented? In principle, computing systems often involve many layers of abstraction, from gates and circuits through machine and assembly code to software libraries and applications. This course introduces students to the abstract design and implementation of computer systems from the digital level in the hardware upwards to the interface between the hardware and the software. In particular, the course starts by revisiting the concepts of bits, getting familiar with several number representation methods and introducing arithmetic and logical operations on bits. Next, it takes the students from the building of logic gates based on the transistor as a switch, gated latches to more complex logic structures. The knowledge is then applied to implement memory and a finite state machine. From there, students study the instruction cycle that the central processing unit (CPU) of a computer follows. As an example, students study a particular computer that is able to capture the important structures of a modern computer, while simple enough to facilitate complete understanding and hands-on programming experiences. Students also explore decisions and tradeoffs involved in the design and implementation.
Hands-on experience: Applied term-projects and lab assignments might include the design and simulation of a CPU, and the tools used to program low-level systems. Students will gain hands-on experience mainly via optional term-projects, which will be first implemented based only on available simulation packages and then implemented using physical components and devices, if online shopping is allowed. The links to videos of sample term-projects in Spring'21 semester are provided below for references.
Learning Outcomes:
Understand the underlying abstraction design and implementation of computing systems;
Understand how memory is constructed and explain the benefits of memory hierarchy;
Explain the fundamentals of how a computing system works;
Trace the execution of an instruction in a simple central processing unit (CPU);
Write codes in assembly language using standard programming constructs
Pre-requisites: Students are expected to have had some basic understanding of computer programming, like conditional statements or loop statements.
Main textbooks:The following two books will be used in the course depending on the topics of interest.
Yale N. Patt and Sanjay J. Patel, Introduction to Computing Systems: From bits & gates to C/C++ an& beyond, 3rd Ed., McGraw Hill, 2020.
Randall E. Bryant and David R. O’Hallaron, Computer Systems: A Programmer’s Perspective, 3rd Ed. (Global Edition), Pearson Education Limited, 2016
Links to videos of sample term-projects in the past semesters:
Spring 2021 semester
Chasing colored LEDs by Nguyen Hoang An, Tran Phuoc Dang Hoang and Tran Nhat Minh
Traffic light by Nguyen Thu Huyen and Phan Nguyen Tuong Minh
Pac-Man LED matrix by Nguyen Ba Hoc and Nguyen Hoang Nam Anh
3x3 Tictactoe by Truong Ngoc Long and Nguyen Nhat Minh
Digital Chess clock from Arduino by Tran Nhut An and Doan Nguyen Duc Long
Course description:
Hands-on experience:
Learning Outcomes:
Pre-requisites: Students are expected to have had some basic understanding of computer programming, like conditional statements or loop statements.
Main textbooks:The following two books will be used in the course depending on the topics of interest.
Links to videos of sample term-projects in the past semesters:
Spring 2024 semester
Mini-project: HCE piano
Course description: The real world consists of many complex systems, such as physical, biological and social systems. Those systems are composed of many parts that have their own behaviors and interact with each other to form the integrated behaviors as the whole. Computer modeling and simulation can assist us to better understand, design, create and/or evaluate such complex systems. In this course, we will learn and practice some of the most common approaches in developing mathematical models of such systems and then implement the models either in Python or JaamSim to simulate the systems computationally to make it possible to investigate their behaviors and quantitative performance in well-designed scenarios. The students are encouraged to work in groups on term-projects of which the topics may be a mechanical system, a natural process or a disease's transmission in a certain area.
Link to videos of sample term-projects in the past semesters:
Spring 2022 semester
Bike manufactoring process: Ha Minh Khiem, Nguyen The Tung.
Circle K 1 : Ngo Phuong Nam, Nguyen Hoang An, Trinh The Vinh.
SIR: Nguyen Nhu Phuong Anh, Tran Lan Phuc.
Fulbright lunch area: Nguyen Dinh Thach Lam, Do Duc Quan.
Two stores one queue: Nguyen Vu Thien Anh, Duong Nhat Minh, Nguyen Dac Minh Phu.
Circle K 2: Nguyen Duc Phu, Tran Viet Hoang.
Parking lot: Le Thi Ha Chi, Nguyen Ngoc Linh.
Circle K 3: Chenh Hung Phat, Nguyen Phuc Nguyen.